Frugality and productivity blog We Wear Khakis advises that after hours company events with alcohol are often situations that management uses not only to socialize but also to evaluate how their employees make decisions. While there is great opportunity to find common interests with your coworkers and superiors, these situations can also present pitfalls if you indulge too much and show poor judgment.

The author at We Wear Khakis recommends a strict two drink limit, but if you have a low tolerance for alcohol you should probably aim for one drink followed by water or soda. If you decide to have more than two drinks make sure you arrange a ride home. As the author points out:

Regardless of how many beers or who you gathering is with, remember the trip home. Getting a DUI or in an accident after leaving a company happy hour is not going to do your career any favors.

Even if you make it home without incident, remember that how you behave in front of coworkers is how they will judge you. If you act irresponsibly and drive home under the influence – they will treat you that way. However, if they see you are responsible and take your decisions seriously – by getting a ride home – people will respect that.

Once, we let a co-worker drive home when it was obvious that he probably should not. He made it home fine, but I have always questioned his judgment since then. Just remember, how one acts in life reflects on them professionally. Keep that in mind during social events.

Company after hours events are meant to be fun and you should try to have a good time. Just remember that any poor decisions might have you visiting HR the next work day. Photo by Joey Parsons.